Hi everyone. I am a 67 year old adventurous, healthy and capable single female. First time posting and first big trip planned. I had planned to go North but left it too late so, change of plan - South (Been waiting for it to warm up a bit and doing some work on the caravan etc in the interim. Should be heading off early November.
I am thinking of tripping down the east coast to Dubbo Zoo and then a ramble over to Melbourne to catch the ferry over to Tassie. Would like to be around Hobart for Xmas and the end of the big yacht race The thought is to head over on 8th December and back around 1 March or so. I am doing it on the pension so will need to stay in free camps most of the time. However, the fact that they are usually very short stays is a problem as I like to stay at least a week and not keep moving every day or two.
My major question is, being that time of year, are the free camps pretty packed out? Would hate to arrive at in the arvo and not be able to get in and have nowhere to go. After Tassie, explore the great ocean road and peninsula and wander inland back to Ipswich to see family. Then head up the coast in about May to the Barrier Reef and up to Darwin. Who knows from there.
All comments would be greatly appreciated
blaze said
03:28 PM Oct 13, 2019
you wont have a problem, a coupe of beach side within 20 minutes of termanal at devonport. Presavation bay just past penguin. cheers blaze ps some of the more popular ones will be full or close to full but there are plenty about
sent you a PM (private message)
-- Edited by blaze on Sunday 13th of October 2019 03:36:56 PM
dabbler said
03:57 PM Oct 13, 2019
There are a lot of free camps in Tassie and some are very popular. Download a copy of Wikicamps and when trip planning, it pays to plan a backup spot. This is a sample of a free camp trip for Tasmania, produced by Wikicamps (there is one for every state). https://wctrip.co/au/3/2100096834
laurieoz said
09:04 AM Oct 14, 2019
dabbler wrote:
There are a lot of free camps in Tassie and some are very popular. Download a copy of Wikicamps and when trip planning, it pays to plan a backup spot. This is a sample of a free camp trip for Tasmania, produced by Wikicamps (there is one for every state). https://wctrip.co/au/3/2100096834
Hi Dabbler
Where did you find this list -I am looking for other states and can not find?
Laurie
Mariner30 said
08:08 PM Oct 14, 2019
As the others have said, there are plenty of Tas free or gold coin donation camps,
I live on the east coast and after Boxing day on the coast sites mostly fill up with locals and visitors up untill around the middle of Jan when the locals go back to work,
Then head off again on the Australia Day long weekend and the Hobart Regretta long weekend,
If you can't find a spot on the coast there will be others away from the water elsewhere,
Also need to say some free camps etc etc are restricted to self contained 'vans and probably don't have power either,
The Wikkicamps app ( as mentioned earlier ) is a great resource for travellers,
dabbler said
12:47 AM Oct 15, 2019
laurieoz, Wikicamps has created a trip for each state and you can download a shared copy to your Wikicamps user account. There is a new sub-forum for shared trips. You need to use V3.
Cnewc said
08:44 AM Oct 15, 2019
Thank you Blaze. Feeling more confident
Newcy
Cnewc said
08:47 AM Oct 15, 2019
Thanks Dabbler. That is very helpful. Didnt realize WikiCamps provided that. Live and learn
Newcy
Cnewc said
08:50 AM Oct 15, 2019
Thank you Marriner20. Advice appreciated
Newcy
the rocket said
12:53 PM Oct 15, 2019
dabbler wrote:
laurieoz, Wikicamps has created a trip for each state and you can download a shared copy to your Wikicamps user account. There is a new sub-forum for shared trips. You need to use V3.
Hi dabbler, i have wiki but know nothing about a trip for each state. Do they tell u which free camps to stay at? And what is a v3 and where do i find the subforum? Thanks rocket
dabbler said
01:18 PM Oct 15, 2019
Importing trips into Wikicamps is a new feature of the latest version. Version 3 (V3). The examples WC created are a good starting point for anyone after an itinerary. There are several user created trips in the sub-forum also. The forum is part of the app.
the rocket said
02:40 PM Oct 15, 2019
dabbler wrote:
Importing trips into Wikicamps is a new feature of the latest version. Version 3 (V3). The examples WC created are a good starting point for anyone after an itinerary. There are several user created trips in the sub-forum also. The forum is part of the app.
Thanks dabbler. I checked and i have v3. Where are the examples to be found though.
dabbler said
02:58 PM Oct 15, 2019
the rocket wrote:
dabbler wrote:
Importing trips into Wikicamps is a new feature of the latest version. Version 3 (V3). The examples WC created are a good starting point for anyone after an itinerary. There are several user created trips in the sub-forum also. The forum is part of the app.
Thanks dabbler. I checked and i have v3. Where are the examples to be found though.
Open the app and go to the chat forum in Home menu
The list of sub-forums is shown.
Enter the one labelled Trip Planner - Share your trips
There are threads explaining how to import trips and others with trips.
Importing trips into Wikicamps is a new feature of the latest version. Version 3 (V3). The examples WC created are a good starting point for anyone after an itinerary. There are several user created trips in the sub-forum also. The forum is part of the app.
Thanks dabbler. I checked and i have v3. Where are the examples to be found though.
Open the app and go to the chat forum in Home menu
The list of sub-forums is shown.
Enter the one labelled Trip Planner - Share your trips
There are threads explaining how to import trips and others with trips.
Thanks dabbler. Now back to original post.
dabbler said
05:24 PM Oct 15, 2019
Have you booked the Spirit yet Cnewc ? It can get busy so don't delay.
Cnewc said
12:26 AM Oct 17, 2019
Yeah. I booked a couple of days ago. Thanks. Now looking where to camp in Melbourne within easy reach of the Ferry. Im booked for 10:30pm so i get in in daylight. Im a bit nervous driving through Melbourne at night towing a van though.
dabbler said
01:27 AM Oct 17, 2019
We stayed at Aysons Reserve Burnewang and dropped in on the silo art at Rochester before heading to Melbourne mid morning.
Took in a last minute stock up on nibbles at an outer surburban shopping centre in case you wanted them at night and headed to SoT.
Arrived early enough to walk on a beach, buy diesel and kill a bit on time outside a nearby park, msging folks, checking for anything we couldn't take on board etc.
Departure was about 8pm for us but was delayed and we left after dusk. It was an easy pleasant day because we knew we had so much time and there was no stress.
Landfall said
10:05 AM Oct 17, 2019
Most free camps in Tassie have no time limit on them and even those that do, the locals (us) don't take much notice of them.
The Bay of Fires (Binnalong Bay) has quite a few free camp sites, Swimcart Beach and Cosy Corner are just two of them in the area. There are drop toilets for general use, no water or other facilities, but plenty of water available from designated area in Saint Helens just 5 minutes drive away.
Plenty of free camps all around Tassie, just ask a local. Lots of them are not listed.
Remember that we are very laid back here, you will be made to feel welcome.
Enjoy.
Cnewc said
10:46 AM Oct 17, 2019
Thank you Landfall.
I am now feeling completely relaxed and confident about Tassie with all the replies and help. Sooo much appreciated. I and a partner did a 3 week trip around Tas about 5 years ago with a hire car and B&Bs and totally loved it. It was in August and outside school hollidays and pretty quite. I am looking forward to returning.
Cnewc said
10:52 AM Oct 17, 2019
That sounds like a plan Dabbler. Ill give that a go. thanks
Landfall said
11:52 AM Oct 17, 2019
Cnewc
Are you a member of the CMCA?
If so, check out the various chapters as they have get aways every month.
Our chapter The Blue Gum Rovers has a four day camp at different location the first Thursday of the month, guests always welcome.
On the East Coast, the only place you may find booked out during peak times would be Mayfield Bay, in the south ****le Creek can be crowded and the road down to there is shocking.
If I can be of any assistance do not hesitate to ask.
Mariner30 said
05:05 PM Oct 17, 2019
Cnewc wrote:
Yeah. I booked a couple of days ago. Thanks. Now looking where to camp in Melbourne within easy reach of the Ferry. Im booked for 10:30pm so i get in in daylight. Im a bit nervous driving through Melbourne at night towing a van though.
You don't actually have to drive through Melbourne itself to get to Port Melb,
Just follow the Northern/ Western Ring road over the Westgate bridge, take the Todd road exit and follow the signs from there for 5 mins and then you are there,
Driving that route at night is easy,
But l would double check the SPOT departure times,
I thought it was closer to 7.30pm or so, unless it has changed since we did it 6 yrs ago
Cnewc said
11:32 PM Oct 17, 2019
Hi Mariner30. Checked my Ticket - 10:30pm. Arrival 8:10am. Its on a Sunday. Dont know if that makes a difference. Thanks so much for the directions.
dabbler said
11:34 PM Oct 17, 2019
Sailing times vary with time of year. It's normal.
Cnewc said
11:43 PM Oct 17, 2019
Hi Landfall. Not a member - will have a look. Thanks for info and offer of help - appreciated
blaze said
02:05 AM Oct 18, 2019
times change in peak times as they do double sailing, 1 day and night
cheers
blaze
Whenarewethere said
05:21 AM Oct 18, 2019
I was in Tassie in March this year, my fifth trip, but the previous time was 1992 on the catamaran. So much busier now.
It's mostly a "freeway" out to Cape Pillar now for the 16km each way from the road, 9 hours return. From the road to the Junction is a narrow track & takes 1.5 to 2 hours each way. Second photo (bush & no track) of the newly proposed track back in 1992 from Cape Hauy to The Junction then to Cape Pillar.
Topographic map from 1992, no track from Cape Hauy to Cape Pillar. The track starts from a different location from the road now. What they now call the old track from the road to Cape Pillar is not actually the old track (photo of Tasman Island), we were the only ones at Cape Pillar for the entire weekend in January 1992.
At Russell Falls there were so many tourists it took me 45 minutes to get a photo. In 1992 we were the only ones there for 2 hours. Then we spent a few days on the plateau camping, never saw another person.
Hi Mariner30. Checked my Ticket - 10:30pm. Arrival 8:10am. Its on a Sunday. Dont know if that makes a difference. Thanks so much for the directions.
Yes, you are right,
Some sundays and saturdays in Nov have a different departure time to the rest of the week,
Have a good trip,
Cnewc said
02:13 PM Oct 18, 2019
Thanks Guru. Very interesting. The word has obviously got out since 1992 as more and more visitors arrive. Sometimes we wish it would stay undiscovered, except by us of course.
Hi everyone. I am a 67 year old adventurous, healthy and capable single female. First time posting and first big trip planned. I had planned to go North but left it too late so, change of plan - South (Been waiting for it to warm up a bit and doing some work on the caravan etc in the interim. Should be heading off early November.
I am thinking of tripping down the east coast to Dubbo Zoo and then a ramble over to Melbourne to catch the ferry over to Tassie. Would like to be around Hobart for Xmas and the end of the big yacht race The thought is to head over on 8th December and back around 1 March or so. I am doing it on the pension so will need to stay in free camps most of the time. However, the fact that they are usually very short stays is a problem as I like to stay at least a week and not keep moving every day or two.
My major question is, being that time of year, are the free camps pretty packed out? Would hate to arrive at in the arvo and not be able to get in and have nowhere to go. After Tassie, explore the great ocean road and peninsula and wander inland back to Ipswich to see family. Then head up the coast in about May to the Barrier Reef and up to Darwin. Who knows from there.
All comments would be greatly appreciated
you wont have a problem, a coupe of beach side within 20 minutes of termanal at devonport. Presavation bay just past penguin.
cheers
blaze
ps some of the more popular ones will be full or close to full but there are plenty about
sent you a PM (private message)
-- Edited by blaze on Sunday 13th of October 2019 03:36:56 PM
Hi Dabbler
Where did you find this list -I am looking for other states and can not find?
Laurie
Thank you Blaze. Feeling more confident
Newcy
Thanks Dabbler. That is very helpful. Didnt realize WikiCamps provided that. Live and learn
Newcy
Thank you Marriner20. Advice appreciated
Newcy
Hi dabbler, i have wiki but know nothing about a trip for each state. Do they tell u which free camps to stay at? And what is a v3 and where do i find the subforum? Thanks rocket
Thanks dabbler. I checked and i have v3. Where are the examples to be found though.
Open the app and go to the chat forum in Home menu
The list of sub-forums is shown.
Enter the one labelled Trip Planner - Share your trips
There are threads explaining how to import trips and others with trips.
dabbler wrote:
the rocket wrote:
dabbler wrote:
Importing trips into Wikicamps is a new feature of the latest version. Version 3 (V3). The examples WC created are a good starting point for anyone after an itinerary. There are several user created trips in the sub-forum also. The forum is part of the app.
Thanks dabbler. I checked and i have v3. Where are the examples to be found though.
Open the app and go to the chat forum in Home menu
The list of sub-forums is shown.
Enter the one labelled Trip Planner - Share your trips
There are threads explaining how to import trips and others with trips.
Thanks dabbler. Now back to original post.
Most free camps in Tassie have no time limit on them and even those that do, the locals (us) don't take much notice of them.
The Bay of Fires (Binnalong Bay) has quite a few free camp sites, Swimcart Beach and Cosy Corner are just two of them in the area. There are drop toilets for general use, no water or other facilities, but plenty of water available from designated area in Saint Helens just 5 minutes drive away.
Plenty of free camps all around Tassie, just ask a local. Lots of them are not listed.
Remember that we are very laid back here, you will be made to feel welcome.
Enjoy.
Thank you Landfall.
I am now feeling completely relaxed and confident about Tassie with all the replies and help. Sooo much appreciated. I and a partner did a 3 week trip around Tas about 5 years ago with a hire car and B&Bs and totally loved it. It was in August and outside school hollidays and pretty quite. I am looking forward to returning.
That sounds like a plan Dabbler. Ill give that a go. thanks
Cnewc
Are you a member of the CMCA?
If so, check out the various chapters as they have get aways every month.
Our chapter The Blue Gum Rovers has a four day camp at different location the first Thursday of the month, guests always welcome.
On the East Coast, the only place you may find booked out during peak times would be Mayfield Bay, in the south ****le Creek can be crowded and the road down to there is shocking.
If I can be of any assistance do not hesitate to ask.
You don't actually have to drive through Melbourne itself to get to Port Melb,
Just follow the Northern/ Western Ring road over the Westgate bridge, take the Todd road exit and follow the signs from there for 5 mins and then you are there,
Driving that route at night is easy,
But l would double check the SPOT departure times,
I thought it was closer to 7.30pm or so, unless it has changed since we did it 6 yrs ago
Hi Mariner30. Checked my Ticket - 10:30pm. Arrival 8:10am. Its on a Sunday. Dont know if that makes a difference. Thanks so much for the directions.
Hi Landfall. Not a member - will have a look. Thanks for info and offer of help - appreciated
cheers
blaze
I was in Tassie in March this year, my fifth trip, but the previous time was 1992 on the catamaran. So much busier now.
It's mostly a "freeway" out to Cape Pillar now for the 16km each way from the road, 9 hours return. From the road to the Junction is a narrow track & takes 1.5 to 2 hours each way. Second photo (bush & no track) of the newly proposed track back in 1992 from Cape Hauy to The Junction then to Cape Pillar.
Topographic map from 1992, no track from Cape Hauy to Cape Pillar. The track starts from a different location from the road now. What they now call the old track from the road to Cape Pillar is not actually the old track (photo of Tasman Island), we were the only ones at Cape Pillar for the entire weekend in January 1992.
At Russell Falls there were so many tourists it took me 45 minutes to get a photo. In 1992 we were the only ones there for 2 hours. Then we spent a few days on the plateau camping, never saw another person.
Cabin at the pointy end of Spirit of Tasmania.
Yes, you are right,
Some sundays and saturdays in Nov have a different departure time to the rest of the week,
Have a good trip,
Thanks Guru. Very interesting. The word has obviously got out since 1992 as more and more visitors arrive. Sometimes we wish it would stay undiscovered, except by us of course.
Thanks Marriner30.